Counselor's Corner
Holiday Stress - December PDF Print E-mail

Helping your child cope with Holiday Stress!

 

   Stress, Stress, Stress, As the Holiday season approaches we will all feel our stress levels go up one or two 

   notches.  It is important to remember that young children also experience high volume stress during the 

   holiday season. In hopes of keeping your child from experiencing excess holiday stress I suggest the

   following tips:

 

1.  Do not try to accomplish too much in one day. Running your child from store to store will definitely make them tired and cranky.   Young children do not have the patience to wait while you select that special gift.

 

2.  Candies, cakes and cookies are a huge part of the holiday season but can overly excite your child.  As an alternative to the sweet treats try offering small, healthy and interesting snacks.

 

3.  Try to adhere to your regular schedule. This may include before and after school activities, regular meal times and normal bedtimes.

 

4.  Try to let Santa remain magical and not punitive. Many parents use Santa for additional behavior control. If parents mention, “ Santa only visits GOOD children” too often your child may become stressed that Santa is watching their every move.

 

5.  Arrange quiet times during the day for your child.  Read a holiday book or listen to soothing holiday music.

 

6.  Create new family traditions, children with divorced parents may especially feel stressed over who they should be with for the holidays. Remember to show your love and enjoyment with your child whether he or she is with you on Christmas day or a day or two later.

 

Finally, keep things in perspective, if you are staying up late to cook, wrap gifts or decorate and then grouchy to your family in the morning, you are missing the reason for the season.

 

Try to keep in mind this is a time for families to enjoy each other’s company.

 Have A Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Lola White
Southview Counselor

 
Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 December 2009 14:07
 
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Teaching Your Child to be Thankful


As the holiday season is fast approaching, this is a good time to teach your child about gratitude. At Southview Primary School we are fortunate in so many ways. Our children find it hard to believe that there are families who do not have computers, microwaves, televisions, video games, cable television and all the other big items we take for granted.   Below is a list of suggestions that you can do with your child in order to help them appreciate the simple things in life. 

  • Make a gratitude banner.  You will need a piece of cloth and some fabric markers. Each evening take a few minutes and talk with your child about what they are thankful for that day. As the banner becomes full it will be a reminder of the family’s many blessings.  
  • Discuss with your child what your family can do to share with people who are less fortunate. Your child can learn to save pocket change to give to charities.  
  • Start a family tradition of donating toys and outgrown clothes to the Salvation Army. Let your child help in deciding what is going to be donated.  
  • For families with siblings, teach your children to be thankful for one another and look for ways to encourage them to love and share rather than bickering over toys.

Remember, children who are taught to be appreciative grow up to be well-rounded adults.

Happy Thankfulness & Giving!

   Lola White, Counselor
Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 October 2009 12:37